Temporary dental cements having reduced tooth sensitivity

ABSTRACT

Temporary dental cements used to temporarily affix a dental prosthesis or appliance to a tooth or other dental substrate includes one or more soothing agent to prevent or reduce tooth sensitivity. The temporary dental cement includes a mixture of an ion leaching agent, polycarboxylic acid, a soothing agent and water. The soothing agent (e.g., 2-ethoxybenzoic acid, phenol, a phenol derivative, such as 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol, or a “caine”-type anesthetic) is added in an amount so as to reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity associated with the reaction between the polycarboxylic and the ion leaching agent (base). The temporary cement composition is sufficiently hydrophilic that it can be readily removed from the tooth when it is desired to permanently restore the tooth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S.application Ser. No. 10/288,775, filed Nov. 6, 2002, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. The Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention is in the field of dental bonding compositions,more particularly temporary dental cements used to temporarily bond adental prosthesis to a person's tooth.

[0004] 2. The Relevant Technology

[0005] Permanent dental cements are employed to adhere a dentalappliance or prosthesis to a tooth which has been prepared to receivethe prosthesis or appliance. Permanent dental cements typically comprisetwo parts, with one part comprising a glass ionomer silica and a secondpart comprising a polyacrylic acid. Mixing together the glass ionomersilica and aqueous polyacrylic acid results in an acid-base reactionthat yields a salt. The salt has a matrix which forms a strong bondbetween the tooth and a prosthesis or appliance.

[0006] When resins are employed as a permanent bonding material, such asluting cements for crowns, the deposition of the final permanent bondingmaterial is typically preceded by the application of a hydrophilic resinprimer to the tooth preparation. Bonding primers bond to the toothsurface, after which the permanent resin-based luting cement is bondedonto the bonding primer. The use of a bonding primer increases theoverall adhesion of the luting cement to the tooth.

[0007] Although permanent dental cements are highly useful for a varietyof different dental purposes where a permanent bond is desired, it maybe desirable in some cases to temporarily affix a prosthesis orappliance to a tooth, then later remove the prosthesis or appliance. Forexample, before mounting a permanent crown on a tooth which has beenprepared to receive the crown, a dentist typically makes an impressionof the tooth. The dentist then mounts a temporary crown on the tooth andsends the impression to a laboratory for manufacture of the permanentcrown.

[0008] The temporary crown is held in place by a temporary dental cementuntil the permanent crown is prepared. Thereafter, the temporary crownis removed. The permanent crown is then permanently affixed to the tooththrough the use of a permanent dental cement. One type of temporarydental cement comprises eugenol, rosin, pine gum, or tall oil mixed withzinc oxide. One problem with such dental cements is that they arehydrophobic. Because of this, such temporary cements are not able toform a chemical seal both with and against the tooth. Forming a poorseal can lead to tooth sensitivity and infection.

[0009] Another problem is that such temporary dental cements are hard toremove completely. They can leave an insoluble, oily residue on a toothand/or contaminate the underlying dentin and/or enamel so as to inhibitor prevent the later formation of a permanent bond after removal of thetemporary cement. This oily residue can be difficult to remove,particularly by rinsing with water or through the use of conventionaldrying agents used in the dental art. The oily residues do not bond wellto hydrophilic primers and can even inhibit polymerization ofhydrophobic resins. Thus, temporary cements that contain eugenol orother hydrophobic oils or resins must generally be cleaned off withanother hydrophobic composition, such as oil of orange, or anotherhydrophobic cleaner. Furthermore, typical hydrophobic temporary cements,such as eugenol, can also be irritating to nerve and pulp tissues. Forthese and other reasons, temporary bonding cements comprising eugenol orother hydrophobic oils or resins have become highly disfavored by manydental practitioners.

[0010] In view of the foregoing problems inherent in eugenol-based orother hydrophobic temporary dental cements, some have proposed the useof more hydrophilic temporary dental cements. The theory behind using ahydrophilic temporary cement is that hydrophilic materials are morechemically compatible with dental tissues and, as such, would beexpected to form a better bond and seal against a patient's tooth. Inaddition, temporary bonding cements that are hydrophilic would beexpected to be more easily washed off using water or mixtures of waterand hydrophilic solvents.

[0011] Nevertheless, whereas hydrophilic temporary bonding cements havesolved some problems associated with hydrophobic temporary cements, theyhave created other problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,206 toFischer et al., discloses a temporary dental cement that is similar topermanent dental cements in that it employs a two-part system involvingan ion leaching agent and a polyacrylic acid, but that has been modifiedso as to include a sugar or sugar-derivative in order to form a moretemporary bond that can be more easily removed at a later time. Forpurposes of disclosing temporary dental compositions and methods ofpreparing and using such compositions, the foregoing patent isincorporated by reference. One drawback of such compositions, or evenpermanent dental cements based on similar chemistry, is that they cancause significant pain to the patient when first applied. As a result,it is recommended that such compositions only be used on patients underanesthesia.

[0012] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide temporarydental cements that are able to form a good bond and seal against thetooth but which do not cause significant pain when applied to apatient's tooth. This is especially true in the case where a patient orother person needs to temporarily fix a tooth, such as a filling orcrown that has become dislodged, or to temporarily repair a painfulcavity or a tooth that has been broken at a time when it is inconvenientor impossible to visit a dentist.

[0013] Improved temporary dental cements and methods for temporarilyrepairing a person's tooth with reduced sensitivity are disclosed andclaimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to temporary dental cements havingreduced tooth sensitivity when placed against a person's tooth. Theinvention also relates to kits and methods that utilize suchcompositions. The inventive compositions can be used by dentalpractitioners when attaching a temporary prosthesis to a patient'stooth, as well as by persons who need to temporarily repair a broken ordislodged dental prosthesis or tooth defect outside the context of avisit to a dental practitioner.

[0015] Such temporary dental cements can be sold over-the-counter inorder to allow a person to repair his or her own tooth without theimmediate assistance of a dental practitioner. This may occur, forexample, when a person is traveling or is in a remote location andcannot immediately visit a dentist. Or the person may have an emergencythat arises at night, over the weekend or during some other time framewhen it is inconvenient or impossible to visit a dentist. The inventivecompositions may, of course, be used by a dental practitioner totemporarily bond a dental prosthesis to a patient's tooth with reducedpain or sensitivity.

[0016] The temporary dental cements according to the invention comprisean acid in one component and a base in another component which, whenmixed together in the presence of water, react to form a curablematerial that is capable of bonding to a person's tooth. The acidcomponent is typically a polycarboxylic acid (e.g., polyacrylic acid)that is hydrophilic. The base component is typically a metal oxide(e.g., zinc oxide) or other ion leaching agent that reacts with the acidcomponent.

[0017] The two components are mixed together prior to application, whichcauses them to undergo an acid-based reaction so as to form a metalcarboxylate polymer that is able to adhere to teeth. The metalcarboxylate polymer can also serve as a cement so as to bond a temporaryprosthetic to a person's teeth, or it may be used to simply fill a voidwithin a person's teeth. However, at least one of the acid or thereaction between the acid and base components is believed to beresponsible for causing tooth sensitivity or irritation.

[0018] In order to ameliorate or at least partially reduce the paincaused by the reaction of the acid and base components, the temporarydental cements according to the invention include one or more soothingagents that are able to greatly reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity.The soothing agent typically comprises an organic compound, includingbut not limited to hydrophobic soothing oils. However, because thesoothing oils typically constitute a relatively small fraction of theoverall composition, they do not hinder the ability of the metalcarboxylate polymer to form a good seal against a tooth surface. Therelatively low concentration of the soothing component yields atemporary bonding cement that is still sufficiently hydrophilic that itcan be easily removed from the tooth without leaving behind an oilyfilm, as typically occurs using conventional hydrophobic temporarybonding cements.

[0019] Examples of soothing agents that may be used within the scope ofthe invention include 2-ethoxybenzoic acid, phenol, phenol derivatives(such as 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol and eugenol), rosin, pine gum, talloil, tetracaine, lidocaine, benzocaine, dyclonine, pramoxine, dibucaine,butacaine, cocaine, salts of the foregoing, analogues of the foregoing,and the like.

[0020] A desensitizing inorganic salt such as potassium nitrate mayoptionally be included in addition to the soothing agent as an auxiliaryingredient to further reduce patient sensitivity.

[0021] The compositions according to the invention may also include asugar or sugar-derivative (e.g., sorbitol) in order to form a temporarydental cement that can be more easily removed when needed preparatory toapplying a permanent bonding cement to the person's tooth. The sugar orsugar-derivative may also help emulsify and/or suspend non-water solublecomponents within aqueous components or compositions prior to mixingthem together.

[0022] Thickening agents, such as precipitated silicon dioxide, fumedsilica, fumed aluminum oxide, colloidal silica, and the like may be usedto increase the viscosity of the bonding compositions and form acomposition having a desired consistency. The thickening agents may alsoimpart thixotropy to the compositions in some cases to yield acomposition that can be easily expressed or manipulated into a crack orcrevice of a patient's tooth but which will not easily run off butremain in place while curing.

[0023] The temporary dental cements according to the invention typicallycomprise a multi-part composition in which the acid component iscontained in one part and the base component is contained in anotherpart. The parts may be solutions, suspensions, colloids, or a mixture ofdry ingredients as desired. One or more soothing agents, the thickeningagent, and other desired components may be contained in one or both ofthe acid and base parts. One or both of the acid and base components mayinclude water, although it is certainly within the scope of theinvention to provide one or both of the acid and base components as drymixtures that are later mixed with water when it is desired to form thetemporary dental cement. For example, water can be provided separatelyfrom the acid and base components if desired.

[0024] The temporary dental cements according to the invention may beincluded within a kit that also contains one or more additionalcomponents that facilitate the temporary repair process. For example,the kits may include a stirring device such as a metal, wooden orplastic rod, spatula, spoon and the like or other mixing devices knownin the art. The kits may also include an application device, such as aspatula or a specially adapted syringe (e.g., multi-barrel syringe) andsyringe tip suitable for placing the temporary dental cement onto atooth in the desired location. The initially unmixed components can bepreloaded into syringes, squeeze tubes or other appropriate dispensingdevices. The kits may also include other compositions, such as ananesthetic composition that can be applied to a painful tooth to providetemporary anesthesia, a drying agent, a priming agent, and the like.

[0025] When it is desired to temporarily repair a broken or dislodgeddental filling, prosthesis or appliance (hereinafter collectivelyreferred to as “dental prosthesis”), the dental prosthesis may beremoved or adjusted so as to allow the application of the temporarydental cement onto the tooth, followed by placement of the dentalprosthesis. It is also within the scope of the invention to use thetemporary dental cement to simply fill or seal a crack, crevice or otherdefect within a person's tooth to reduce pain until professional dentaltreatment can be obtained.

[0026] Because the temporary bonding cements according to the inventionare hydrophilic, they can be easily removed prepatory to applying apermanent bonding agent or dental cement to the person's tooth. Thetemporary dental cements according to the present invention may becleaned off as needed using water-based scouring agents, such asCONSEPSIS SCRUB, which is available from Ultradent Products, Inc.,located in South Jordan, Utah.

[0027] These and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention asset forth hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. INTRODUCTION

[0028] The temporary dental cements according to the invention involve areaction between an acidic polymer component and a base component inorder to yield a temporary dental cement that is sufficientlyhydrophilic that it can form a good seal against a person's tooth. Theyalso include one or more soothing agents in order to reduce or eliminatethe pain associated with at least one of the acid or the reactionbetween the acid and the base.

[0029] The temporary dental cements according to the invention can beused by dental practitioners to temporarily bond a prosthesis, dentalappliance or other structure to the patient's tooth. It is also withinthe scope of the invention to provide temporary dental cements that aresuitable for over-the-counter sale to persons who need to temporarilyrepair a broken or dislodged dental prosthesis or appliance or otherdefect without the assistance of a dental practitioner. The inventivedental cements can also be used as a temporary filling material to fillcracks, cavities or other defects until professional dental help can beobtained. Because the temporary dental cements according to theinvention have greatly reduced pain or sensitivity compared to dentalcements that rely on an acid-based reaction but do not include soothingagents, they can be used to temporarily repair a tooth that has not beenanesthetized.

[0030] The temporary dental cements according to the invention aretypically formed by mixing together initially separate parts thatcontain the reactive acid and base components together with one or moresoothing agents, as well as optional components that may be included inorder to yield compositions having desired properties. The temporarydental cements according to the invention may be sold separately ortogether as part of a dental repair kit, as will be discussed more fullybelow.

[0031] The term “about” when used in combination with a numeric valueshall mean ±10% of the numeric value. Thus, the effect of the term“about” is to define a range that is ±10% of the given numeric value.

[0032] A “reaction product” or “mixture product” is the product orproducts which result(s) when elements of a composition are mixedtogether.

II. TEMPORARY DENTAL CEMENTS

[0033] The temporary dental cements according to the invention includereactive components that are mixed just prior to application of thetemporary dental cement to the person's tooth, together with one or moresoothing agents that reduce the pain or sensitivity associated with oneor both of the reactive components. The temporary dental cements mayalso include or one more sugars or sugar-derivatives, thickening agents,water and other components as desired to yield individual componentshaving desired properties prior to mixing, as well as mixed dentalcements having desired properties, both before and after the reactivecomponents react together to cure the dental cement.

[0034] The term “temporary dental cement” should be broadly construed toencompass virtually any composition that can be formed by mixingtogether the components as set forth herein. There is no temporallimitation as to how long the “temporary dental cement” must be attachedto a person's tooth (e.g., the “temporary dental cements” according tothe invention may be attached to a tooth for days, weeks, months or evenyears as desired). In some cases the “temporary dental cement” may beused as a filling agent in order to temporarily repair a crack, cavityor other defect in a person's tooth until professional dental attentioncan be obtained. Thus, it is not necessary for a “temporary dentalcement” to actually adhere a prosthesis, appliance or filling to theperson's tooth.

[0035] A. Reactive Components

[0036] The reactive components include an acid and a base. Water mayalso be termed a “reactive component” when used to facilitate theacid-base reaction. The acid and base components are typicallymaintained in separate unmixed parts until it is desired to form atemporary dental cement according to the invention. At this time theinitially separate parts are mixed together to form a temporary dentalcement that undergoes a, curing reaction within a predetermined periodof time. This gives the user a window of time in which to apply thedental cement before complete curing or hardening occurs.

[0037] In one embodiment according to the invention, a first unmixedpart comprises at least one polycarboxylic acid and a second unmixedpart comprises at least one ion leaching agent or component. Water mayalso be included in one or both of the unmixed parts as desired. Whenmixed together, the polycarboxylic acid of the first part and the ionleaching agent of the second part form a hydrophilic matrix which canbond and seal against one or more dental substrates, such as a tooth, adental appliance, a dental prosthesis or a dental filling. The initiallyseparate parts may include other ingredients as described more fullybelow in order to yield unmixed and final mixed compositions havingdesired properties.

[0038] In the mixed composition, the polycarboxylic acid and the ionleaching agents contributed by the initially unmixed components areincluded in appropriate stoichiometric quantities in order to form ahardenable adhesive composition that reacts and cures in a desired timeframe. Water will typically be present in the mixed composition in anamount sufficient to form a hardenable temporary dental cement havingdesired rheological properties. The water may also assist in theacid-based reaction between the polycarboxylic acid in the ion leachingagent.

[0039] Examples of polycarboxylic acids useful in the present inventioninclude polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid (e.g., having amolecular weight of 1,000 to 400,000).

[0040] The concentration of the polycarboxylic acid may be expressedboth in terms of its concentration within the initially unmixed acidcomposition or part and in terms of its net concentration within theunmixed components used to form the mixed temporary dental cement.

[0041] The polycarboxylic acid will preferably be included in an amountin a range of about 10% to about 90% by weight of the initially unmixedacid component, more preferably in a range from about 20% to about 80%by weight, and most preferably in a range from about 30% to about 70% byweight of the initially unmixed acid component.

[0042] In terms of the overall temporary dental cement (i.e., theunmixed components used to form the dental cement), the polycarboxylicacid will preferably have a concentration in a range from about 5% toabout 50% by weight of the overall temporary dental cement, morepreferably in a range from about 10% to about 40% by weight, and mostpreferably in a range from about 15% to about 35% by weight of theoverall temporary dental cement.

[0043] Examples of ion leaching agents suitable for use in formingtemporary dental cements according to the invention include variousmetal oxides such as zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, bariumoxide, and aluminum oxide, and glass ionomers, such as bariumaluminosilicate glass, strontium aluminosilicate glass, and otheraluminosilicate glasses.

[0044] The concentration of the ion leaching agent may be expressed bothin terms of its concentration within the initially unmixed basecomposition or part and also in terms of its net concentration withinthe unmixed components to form the temporary dental cement according tothe invention.

[0045] The ion leaching agent will preferably have a concentration in arange of about 5% to about 90% by weight of the initially unmixed basecomponent, more preferably in a range from about 10% to about 70% byweight, and most preferably in a range of about 20% to about 60% byweight of the initially unmixed base component.

[0046] With respect to the overall temporary dental cement (i.e., theunmixed components used to form the dental cement), the ion leachingagent will preferably have a concentration in a range from about 2% toabout 50% by weight of the overall temporary dental cement, morepreferably in a range from about 5% to about 35% by weight, and mostpreferably in a range of about 10% to about 30% by weight of the overalltemporary dental cement.

[0047] In order for the acid and base components to react, the mixedtemporary dental cements according to the invention typically includewater in order to facilitate the acid-base reaction between thepolycarboxylic acid and the ion leaching agent. The water may beincluded within one or both of the acid and base components, or it maybe added as a completely separate component at the time the temporarydental cement is formed.

[0048] In general, the water will preferably have a net concentrationrelative to the overall temporary dental cement in a range of about 1%to about 50% by weight of the overall temporary dental cement, morepreferably in a range from about 5% to about 40% by weight, and mostpreferably in a range from about 10% to about 30% by weight of theoverall temporary dental cement.

[0049] If water is included within the acid component, it is typicallyincluded in an amount in a range of about 1% to about 99% by weight ofthe acid component, preferably in a range of about 5% to about 95% byweight, more preferably in a range of about 15% to about 85 by weight,and most preferably in a range of about 25% to about 75% by weight ofthe acid component.

[0050] If water is included within the base component, it is preferablyincluded in a range of about 1% to about 90% by weight of the basecomponent, more preferably in a range of about 5% to about 80% byweight, and most preferably in a range of about 10% to about 70% byweight of the base component.

[0051] B. Soothing Agents

[0052] The temporary dental cements according to the invention, inaddition to the aforementioned reactive components, also include one ormore soothing agents that serve to reduce or eliminate the pain orsensitivity associated with applying a mixture of the reactivecomponents onto a freshly cut, exposed, damaged or otherwise sensitivetooth that is prone to pain or sensitivity. According to one embodiment,the soothing agent comprises one or more hydrophobic oils that, whenincluded within the temporary dental cements according to the invention,are able to offset the pain and sensitivity caused by one or more of thereactive components without preventing the temporary dental cements fromforming a good seal against a dental substrate. According to anotherembodiment, the soothing agent comprises a “caine”-type topicalanesthetic.

[0053] Examples of hydrophobic oil soothing agents within the scope ofthe invention include 2-ethoxybenzoic acid, phenol, phenol derivatives,2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (and example of a synthetic phenol derivative),eugenol (an example of a natural phenol derivative), rosin, pine gum,tall oil, and the like.

[0054] Examples of “caine”-type topical anesthetics that may be usedinstead of, or in addition to, one or more hydrophobic oil soothingagents, include tetracaine, lidocaine, benzocaine, dyclonine, pramoxine,dibucaine, butacaine, cocaine, salts of the foregoing, analogues of theforegoing, and the like.

[0055] The soothing agents may be included within one or both of theunmixed components used to form the temporary dental cements accordingto the invention. In one embodiment, a soothing agent system comprisingone or both of 2-ethoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol isincluded within the acid component since they are more compatible withthe polyacrylic acid (being acidic themselves). Nevertheless, it iscertainly within the scope of the invention to select soothing agentsthat are compatible with the ion leaching agent.

[0056] When included within the acid component, the soothing agents arepreferably included in an amount in a range of about 0.1% to about 50%by weight of the acid component, more preferably in a range of about 2%to about 40% by weight, and most preferably in a range of about 6% toabout 30% by weight of the acid component.

[0057] The soothing agents are preferably included in an amount in arange of about 0.05% to about 25% by weight of the overall temporarydental cement, more preferably in a range of about 1% to about 20% byweight, and most preferably in a range of about 3% to about 15% byweight of the overall temporary dental cement.

[0058] C. Auxiliary Desensitizing Agents

[0059] A desensitizing inorganic salt may optionally be included inaddition to the soothing agent as an auxiliary ingredient to furtherreduce patient sensitivity. Examples of desensitizing agents includepotassium salts (e.g., potassium nitrate). When included, thedesensitizing agent is preferably included in a range of about 0.01% toabout 20% by weight of the temporary dental cement.

[0060] D. Sugar and Sugar Derivatives

[0061] One or more sugars or sugar-derivatives may be added to one orboth of the acid and base components as desired in order to yieldcompositions having desired properties. For example, the sugar can actas a colloidal suspending agent to form a stable colloidal suspensionfor the ion leaching agent and water. This helps to prevent the ionleaching agent for settling out of the suspension. The sugar orsugar-derivative may also alter the final strength properties oftemporary dental cement, typically in a manner that weakens the cementso that it is more easily removed when desired.

[0062] When included within the temporary dental cements according tothe invention, the sugar or sugar-derivative is preferably included inan amount in a range of about 0.5% to about 35% by weight of thetemporary dental cement, more preferably in a range of about 2.5% toabout 30% by weight, and most preferably in a range of about 7.5% toabout 20% by weight of the temporary dental cement.

[0063] A variety of different sugars or sugar-derivatives may beemployed within the temporary dental cements according to the invention.Examples of six-carbon sugars which are useful in the present inventionas colloidal suspending agents and which allow the combined componentsto form a temporary dental cement include sorbitol, galactol, mannitol,mixtures thereof, and derivatives thereof. In one embodiment, sorbitolmay be employed independently from other sugars. In another embodiment,a combination of sorbitol and mannitol, a combination or sorbitol andgalactol, or a combination of galactol and mannitol may be employed inthe temporary cement composition. Galactol or mannitol may also beemployed independently from each other and/or other six-carbon sugars.

[0064] A preferred chemical formula for a six carbon sugar of thepresent invention is C₆H₁₄O₆. A preferred chemical formula for afive-carbon sugar employed in the invented temporary dental cementcomposition is C₅H₁₂O₅. An example of a useful five-carbon sugar isxylitol, which also can impart an anticariogenic and antimicrobialeffect in the present invention, as well as acting as a colloidalsuspending agent, a matrix weakener and having the other benefits ofsugars generally.

[0065] E. Thickening Agents

[0066] It is within the scope of the invention to include one or morethickening agents within one or both of the acid and base components inorder to yield a composition having a desired level of viscosity and/orthixotropy. An example of a useful thickening agent is fumed silica.Other thickening agents according to the invention include a widevariety of other particulate inorganic fillers such as precipitatedsilica, colloidal silica, fumed aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide,silicon carbon and the like.

[0067] In addition to particulate thickening agents, it is within thescope of the invention to include one or more polymeric thickeningagents.

[0068] When a thickening agent is included within the temporary dentalcements according to the invention, the thickening agent will preferablyhave a concentration in a range of about 1% to about 40% by weight ofthe overall temporary dental cement, more preferably in a range of about5% to about 35% by weight, and most preferably in a range of about 10%to about 30% by weight of the overall temporary dental cement.

[0069] F. Other Components

[0070] It is within the scope of the invention to include otheradditives or adjuvents as desired to yield compositions having desiredproperties. These include polyols, solvents, sweeteners, antimicrobialagents, anticariogenic agents, and the like.

[0071] Examples of polyols that may be included within the temporarydental cements according to the invention include glycerin, propyleneglycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol and the like. Specificexamples include polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight in arange of about 300 to 8,000 and polypropylene glycol having a molecularweight in a range of about 300 to 8,000.

[0072] Examples of solvents that can be used within temporary dentalcements according to the invention include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol,acetone, and the like.

[0073] Examples of antimicrobial agents include chlorhexidine,1,1′-hexamethylene bis(5(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), cetyl pyridiniumchloride, benzalkonium chloride, cetyl pyridinium bromide, methyl4-hydroxybenzoate and propylparaben (propyl p-hydroxybenzoate).

[0074] Examples of anticariogenic agents include any of the knownfluoride salts that are used in the dental arts to strengthen dentalenamel.

III. KITS FOR TEMPORARY RESTORATION

[0075] As will be appreciated from the discussion above, kits accordingto the invention for temporarily restoring a tooth will generallycomprise initially separate acid and base compositions. Kits accordingto the invention may also contain one or more additional components thatfacilitate the temporary repair process. For example, kits according tothe invention may include a stirring device such as a metal, wooden, orplastic rod, spatula, spoon and the like. The kits may include anapplication device, such as a spatula or a specially adapted syringe andsyringe tip suitable for placing the temporary dental cement within adesired location on a tooth.

[0076] Kits according to the invention may include other compositionsthat assist or augment the temporary dental cements, such as ananesthetic composition, a drying agent, a priming agent, and the like.

[0077] Initially unmixed parts or components can be preloaded intosyringes, squeeze tubes or other appropriate dispensing devices, or theymay be packaged within jars or other storage devices not suitable fordispensing and then drawn into a syringe or other dispensing device.Initially unmixed acid and base components may be mixed together in anyratio. In the case of over-the-counter products, it may be advantageousto formulate the acid and base components so that they can be mixed in a1:1 ratio for simplicity. Dispensing devices can be selected to help mixthe initially separate components in a desired ratio.

IV. METHOD OF USING INVENTIVE TEMPORARY DENTAL CEMENTS

[0078] The temporary dental cements according to the invention may beused in the same manner as other temporary dental cements known in theart, including both hydrophilic and hydrophobic temporary dentalcements. They may be used by a dental practitioner in order totemporarily bond a temporary crown, dental appliance or other prosthesisto a person's tooth during a dental procedure. They may be used as atemporary filling material that can easily be removed at a later time.

[0079] In the case of over-the-counter temporary dental cementsaccording to the invention, they may be used by a non-dentalpractitioner to repair a damaged tooth, crown, dental appliance or otherdental prosthetic prior to or instead of visiting a dental practitioner.They can be used to temporarily fill a cavity as a temporary fillingmaterial prior to visiting a dental practitioner.

[0080] The temporary dental cements may be used alone or in combinationwith other auxiliary or complementary compositions. For example, ananesthetic composition may be applied to the tooth to temporarilyeliminate pain prior to applying the temporary dental cement. Anantiseptic or antimicrobial composition may be used to eliminate or atleast inhibit infection prior to applying the temporary dental cement.Other compositions such as drying agents, priming agents, and the likemay also be applied as desired prior to application of the temporarydental cement.

[0081] When it is desired to remove the temporary dental cement it canbe cleaned off as needed using water or water-based detergents orscrubbing agents, an example of which is CONSEPSIS SCRUB, available fromUltradent Products, Inc. Following the removal of the temporary dentalcement, the tooth may be prepared using restorative compositions knownin the art. Because the inventive compositions do not contain highconcentrations of hydrophobic oils that can remain adhered to the dentalsubstrate, the temporary dental cements according to the invention leavea relatively clean surface to which a restorative composition maysubsequently be applied.

V. EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

[0082] The following examples set forth various exemplary hemostaticcompositions and dental etching compositions according to the invention.These examples are intended to be purely exemplary and should not beviewed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Examples thatwere actually made are set forth in past tense, while hypotheticalexamples are set forth in present tense.

[0083] The temporary dental cements according to the invention typicallycomprise initially separate and unmixed base and acid components.Therefore, the following examples are more particularly directed toindividual base and acid components. It should be understood that any ofthe base components may be mixed with any of the acid components to forma mixed temporary dental cement (e.g., in a 1:1 ratio).

BASE EXAMPLE 1

[0084] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled Water 52.8% Zinc Oxide   45% Fumed silica (Aerosil 200)   2%Polyethylene glycol (600 MW)  0.2%

BASE EXAMPLE 2

[0085] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled H₂O 50.5% Zinc Oxide   45% Aerosil 200   4% PEG 600  0.5%

BASE EXAMPLE 3

[0086] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled H₂O 60.5% Zinc Oxide   35% Aerosil 200   4% PEG 600  0.5%

BASE EXAMPLE 4

[0087] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled H₂O 36.6% Zinc Oxide   60% Fumed silica (Cabosil M-5)   3% PEG600  0.4%

BASE EXAMPLE 5

[0088] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled H₂O 27.6% Cabosil M-5   2% PEG 300  0.4% Glycerin   30% ZincOxide   40%

BASE EXAMPLE 6

[0089] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by Weight PEG600 26% Glycerin 30% Cabosil M-5  4% Zinc Oxide 40%

BASE EXAMPLE 7

[0090] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightXylitol   25% Distilled Water 35.6% Aerosil 200   2% PEG 600  0.4% ZincOxide   35% Ethanol   2%

BASE EXAMPLE 8

[0091] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightSorbitol (70% in water)   43% Sorbitol Powder   7% Precipitated SiO₂(Zeo 113) 13.2% Zinc Oxide   35% Ethanol  1.8%

BASE EXAMPLE 9

[0092] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightXylitol   25% Water 25.6% Aerosil   2% PEG 600  0.4% Zinc Oxide   45%Ethanol   2%

BASE EXAMPLE 10

[0093] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightSorbitol   33% Sorbitol Powder   7% Zeo 113 13.2% Zinc Oxide   45%Ethanol  1.8%

BASE EXAMPLE 11

[0094] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled H₂O  33.3% PEG 20,000  11.7% Zeo 113  13.3% Zinc Oxide 41.67%

BASE EXAMPLE 12

[0095] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled H₂O 10.2% Sorbitol Powder 27.3% Ethanol 17.1% Zinc Oxide   43%Aerosil 200   2% PEG 600  0.4%

BASE EXAMPLE 13

[0096] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by Weight2-Ethoxybenzoic Acid 58% Zinc Oxide 40% Aerosil 200  2%

[0097] This base composition did not exhibit good long-term stabilitybecause the 2-ethoxybenzoic acid evidently reacted with the zinc oxidein an acid-based reaction.

BASE EXAMPLE 14

[0098] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightEthanol 51% Zinc Oxide 45% Aerosil 200  4%

BASE EXAMPLE 15

[0099] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by Weight2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol 54% Zinc Oxide 42% Aerosil 200  4%

[0100] This base composition was more stable than the composition ofExample 13 in that the 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol did not appear toappreciably react with the zinc oxide.

BASE EXAMPLE 16

[0101] A base composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightSorbitol (70% in water) 44.8% Precipitated SiO₂   20% Zinc Oxide   42%Pigments  0.2%

[0102] The pigments were added to give the base composition of Example16 a slightly contrasting color compared to the acid composition. Thishelps the user determine the extent of mixing of the two components

ACID EXAMPLE 1

[0103] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightDistilled Water 25.7% Polyacrylic Acid (60% in water) 55.8% Aerosil 200  6% Zeo 113   12% PEG 600  0.5%

[0104] Because the acid composition of this example did not include anyof the preferred soothing agents as disclosed, temporary dental cementsaccording to the invention can be made by mixing this acid compositionwith a base composition that contains one or more soothing agents (e.g.,Base Examples 13 and 15).

ACID EXAMPLE 2

[0105] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 93% (M.W. 240,000) Aerosil 200  7%

[0106] Because the acid composition of this example did not include anyof the preferred soothing agents as disclosed, temporary dental cementsaccording to the invention can be made by mixing this acid compositionwith a base composition that contains one or more soothing agents (e.g.,Base Examples 13 and 15).

ACID EXAMPLE 3

[0107] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 50% (M.W. 240,000) Polyacrylic Acid (50%in water) 42% M.W. 5,000 Aerosil 200  8%

[0108] Because the acid composition of this example did not include anyof the preferred soothing agents as disclosed, temporary dental cementsaccording to the invention can be made by mixing this acid compositionwith a base composition that contains one or more soothing agents (e.g.,Base Examples 13 and 15).

ACID EXAMPLE 4

[0109] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 50% (M.W. 240,000) 2-Methoxybenzoic Acid42% Aerosil 200  8%

[0110] Because the acid composition of this example included a soothingagent (2-methoxybenzoic acid), temporary dental cements according to theinvention can be made by mixing this acid composition with any basecomposition that contains an appropriate ion leaching agent that canreact with the polyacrylic acid in an acid-base reaction (e.g., BaseExamples 1-16).

ACID EXAMPLE 5

[0111] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 83% (M.W. 240,000) 2-Methoxybenzoic acid10% Aerosil 200  7%

[0112] Because the acid composition of this example included a soothingagent (2-methoxybenzoic acid), temporary dental cements according to theinvention can be made by mixing this acid composition with any basecomposition that contains an appropriate ion leaching agent that canreact with the polyacrylic acid in an acid-base reaction (e.g., BaseExamples 1-16).

ACID EXAMPLE 6

[0113] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 82.5% (M.W. 240,000) 2-Methoxybenzoicacid   10% Aerosil 200   7% Acetic Acid  0.5%

[0114] Because the acid composition of this example included a soothingagent (2-methoxybenzoic acid), temporary dental cements according to theinvention can be made by mixing this acid composition with any basecomposition that contains an appropriate ion leaching agent that canreact with the polyacrylic acid in an acid-base reaction (e.g., BaseExamples 1-16).

ACID EXAMPLE 7

[0115] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 82% (M.W. 240,000) 2-Methoxybenzoic acid10% Aerosil 200 7% 2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol 1%

[0116] Because the acid composition of this example included soothingagents (2-methoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol), temporarydental cements according to the invention can be made by mixing thisacid composition with any base composition that contains an appropriateion leaching agent that can react with the polyacrylic acid in anacid-base reaction (e.g., Base Examples 1-16).

ACID EXAMPLE 8

[0117] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (25% in water) 32.5% (M.W. 240,000) Polyacrylic Acid(50% in water)   50% (M.W. 5,000) 2-Methoxybenzoic acid   10% Aerosil200   7% 2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol  0.5%

[0118] Because the acid composition of this example included soothingagents (2-methoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol), temporarydental cements according to the invention can be made by mixing thisacid composition with any base composition that contains an appropriateion leaching agent that can react with the polyacrylic acid componentsin an acid-base reaction (e.g., Base Examples 1-16).

ACID EXAMPLE 9

[0119] An acid composition was formed by mixing together the followingcomponents in the stated amounts: Ingredient Concentration by WeightPolyacrylic Acid (60% in water) 77% (M.W. 2100) 2-Methoxybenzoic acid15% 2-Methoxy-4-methylphenol 1% Aerosil 7%

[0120] Because the acid composition of this example included soothingagents (2-methoxybenzoic acid and 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol), temporarydental cements according to the invention can be made by mixing thisacid composition with any base composition that contains an appropriateion leaching agent that can react with the polyacrylic acid in anacid-base reaction (e.g., Base Examples 1-16).

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE 1

[0121] Any of the foregoing base or acid examples is modified byincluding one or more of phenol or a phenol derivative in addition to,or instead of, the stated soothing agent.

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE 2

[0122] Any of the foregoing base or acid examples is modified byincluding one or more “caine”-type topical anesthetics in addition to,or instead of, the stated soothing agent.

HYPOTHETICAL EXAMPLE 3

[0123] Any of the foregoing base or acid examples is modified byincluding a potassium salt such as potassium nitrate in addition to thesoothing agent.

[0124] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrated and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipart composition comprising at least twoinitially separate parts which, upon mixing the parts together, form amixed temporary dental cement that is initially deformable and suitablefor placement onto a person's tooth and which hardens over time, themultipart composition comprising: at least one polycarboxylic acidcontained in at least one of the initially separate parts; at least oneion leaching component contained in at least one other of the initiallyseparate parts that does not contain the polycarboxylic acid; at leastone soothing agent contained in at least one of the initially separateparts in an amount so as to reduce tooth sensitivity caused by the mixedtemporary dental cement compared to tooth sensitivity that would becaused by the dental cement in the absence of the soothing agent, withthe proviso that the soothing agent is not potassium nitrate; andoptionally water contained in at least one of the initially separateparts.
 2. A multi-part composition as defined in claim 1, thepolycarboxylic acid comprising polyacrylic acid.
 3. A multi-partcomposition as defined in claim 1, the ion leaching agent comprising atleast one of a metal oxide or an aluminosilicate glass.
 4. A multi-partcomposition as defined in claim 1, the soothing agent comprising atleast one member selected from the group comprising phenol, phenolderivatives, 2-ethoxybenzoic acid, 2-methyl-4-methylphenol, eugenol,tall oil, rosin, pine gum, tetracaine, lidocaine, benzocaine, dyclonine,pramoxine, dibucaine, butacaine, cocaine, salts of the foregoing,analogues of the foregoing.
 5. A multi-part composition as defined inclaim 1, the soothing agent having a concentration of about 0.05% toabout 25% by weight of the mixed temporary dental cement.
 6. Amulti-part composition as defined in claim 1, the soothing agent havinga concentration of about 1% to about 20% by weight of the mixedtemporary dental cement.
 7. A multi-part composition as defined in claim1, the soothing agent having a concentration of about 3% to about 15% byweight of the mixed temporary dental cement.
 8. A multi-part compositionas defined in claim 1, further comprising potassium nitrate within atleast one of the initially separate parts to provide a desensitizingeffect in addition to the soothing agent.
 9. A multi-part composition asdefined in claim 8, the potassium nitrate having a concentration ofabout 0.01% to about 20%.
 10. A multi-part composition as defined inclaim 1, further comprising at least one sugar or sugar derivativewithin at least one of the initially separate parts.
 11. A multi-partcomposition as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least onethickening agent within at least one of the initially separate parts.12. A multi-part composition as defined in claim 11, the thickeningagent comprising at least one of fumed silica, fumed aluminum oxide,colloidal silica, or precipitated silica.
 13. A multi-part compositionas defined in claim 1, at least one of the initially separate partshaving a color that differs from at least one other of the initiallyseparate parts.
 14. A dental repair system comprising: a multi-barrelsyringe; and the multi-part composition of claim 1, each initiallyseparate part of the multi-part composition being contained in acorresponding syringe barrel of the syringe.
 15. A kit for use intemporarily repairing a person's tooth comprising: at least onetemporary dental prosthetic; and the multi-part composition of claim 1.16. A kit as defined in claim 15, further comprising at least onesyringe into which at least one of the initially separate parts of themulti-part composition is loaded.
 17. A kit as defined in claim 15,further comprising at least one applicator that may be used to apply themixed temporary dental cement onto a tooth.
 18. A kit as defined inclaim 15, further comprising a topical anesthetic composition suitablefor treating at least one of dental or gingival pain.
 19. A multipartcomposition comprising at least two initially separate parts which, uponmixing the parts together, form a mixed temporary dental cement that isinitially deformable and suitable for placement onto a person's toothand which hardens over time, the multipart composition comprising: atleast one polycarboxylic acid contained in at least one of the initiallyseparate parts; at least one ion leaching component contained in atleast one other of the initially separate parts that does not containthe polycarboxylic acid; at least one soothing agent contained in atleast one of the initially separate parts in an amount so as to reducetooth sensitivity caused by the mixed temporary dental cement comparedto tooth sensitivity that would be caused by the dental cement in theabsence of the soothing agent, the soothing agent comprising at leastone member selected from the group comprising phenol, phenolderivatives, 2-ethoxybenzoic acid, 2-methyl-4-methylphenol, eugenol,tall oil, rosin, pine gum, tetracaine, lidocaine, benzocaine, dyclonine,pramoxine, dibucaine, butacaine, cocaine, salts of the foregoing,analogues of the foregoing; and optionally water contained in at leastone of the initially separate parts.
 20. A multipart compositioncomprising at least two initially separate parts which, upon mixing theparts together, form a mixed temporary dental cement that is initiallydeformable and suitable for placement onto a person's tooth and whichhardens over time, the multipart composition comprising: at least onepolycarboxylic acid contained in at least one of the initially separateparts; at least one ion leaching component contained in at least oneother of the initially separate parts that does not contain thepolycarboxylic acid; at least one soothing agent contained in at leastone of the initially separate parts in an amount so as to reduce toothsensitivity caused by the mixed temporary dental cement compared totooth sensitivity that would be caused by the dental cement in theabsence of the soothing agent, the soothing agent comprising at leastone of phenol, a phenol derivative, 2-ethoxybenzoic acid,2-methyl-4-methylphenol, or eugenol; and optionally water contained inat least one of the initially separate parts.